Vermont GMO bill gets qualified public support

Vermont residents testified in favor of labeling foods that have genetically modified ingredients.

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Vermont lawmakers are getting an earful about the need for labels for genetically modified foods.

At a hearing Thursday evening, more than 200 Vermonters told members of the Senate Judiciary and Agriculture committees they want to see the Senate pass a labeling bill similar to one passed by the House last year.

The majority of speakers who addressed the issue said they oppose a trigger provision in the bill that would have a Vermont labeling law take effect only after other states pass similar laws.

A group of food industry groups said they would support voluntary use by food companies of labels approved by the Food and Drug Administration indicating the food is genetically modified. Such a national system would pre-empt state laws.